Yin Yang Theory
Posted by Cat on March 26th 2020
One of the core philosophies underlying Taijiquan is Yin Yang Theory, so it can be helpful to understand a bit about this theory as you study the art. Often a student’s misunderstanding of Taijiquan can be traced to a misunderstanding of yin yang theory.
Taiji
You may be familiar with the “Yin Yang Symbol”, also known as the taijitu:
The white area represents Yang, the black area represents Yin. The combination of yin and yang together make up what is called a taiji. This is the same taiji in the name Taijiquan (aka Tai Chi Chuan).
Negative and Positive
| Taiji | Yin | Yang |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | Negative | Positive |
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Firmness | Softer | Harder |
| Temperature | Colder | Hotter |
| Brightness | Darker | Lighter |
Each row in this table describes a single taiji. Yin and Yang are the negative and positive aspects of that taiji.
Relationship of Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang represent opposing tendencies, but they describe a relationship, not a binary.
The properties of Yin and Yang are:
- They depend on each other.
- They oppose each other.
- They become each other.
Not Binary
In a binary way of thinking:
- if you are X, you can’t be Y
- if you’re not X you must be Y
In Yin Yang Theory, there is always X and Y.
Yin and Yang depend on each other, or create each other. As soon as you define “cold”, you also define “hot”. They are two sides of the same coin. You can’t have one without the other.
Relative, not Absolute
When we call something yin or yang we mean it relative to something else. A room is “small” only relative to another room. And the same room can be both “small” and “large” depending on what you’re comparing it to.
So it’s better to think in relative terms - “smaller” or “larger” - because the context is always important.
Cycles
Yin becomes Yang, Yang becomes Yin. That’s why the symbol has a curvy line: the two sides are not static states.
Think of a tree blowing in a strong wind. It’s softness (yin) makes it flexible, and it can bend to withstand the wind. When it gets too “strong” (yang) and can no longer bend, it eventually breaks becoming yin again.
Empty and Full
How many of the Ten Essential Principles refer to a Yin/Yang pair?
Try clicking the taijitu symbol in the navigation menu at the top. :)